Water softening system valve



3 Sheets-Sheet l zslil n Fcj 9 an. w C M C C M 1m W. r 2w March 4, 1952 Filed Dec. 10, 1946 Mamh 1952 R. D. ZIMMERMAN WATER SOFTENING SYSTEM VALVE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec.. 10, 1946 Marci: 4, 1952 Filed Dec. 10, 1946 R. D. ZIMMERMAN WATER SOFTENING SYSTEM VALVE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 handle thereof Patented Mar. 4, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WATER SOFTENING SYSTEM VALVE Ralph D. Zimmerman, Omaha, Nebr. Application December 10, 1946, Serial Nb. 715,250

The present invention relates to the water softening art and more particularly to valves used in conjunction with water softening systems.

In the prior practice of the art, five or more separate valves have been employed for consummating purposes for which the single valve mechanism of the instant invention may be employed, whereby in the prior practice the labor and time required for opening and closing valves has been lost.

Also as heretofore practiced it has often happened that an operator would open the wrong valve, whereby brine was distributed in lieu of softened water, and the present invention aims to obviate several objectionable features of the prior practice and to provide a device which employs fewer parts than heretofore.

It is an object of the invention to provide a valve usable for consummating water-softening resultants in a more facile, economical and advantageous manner than heretofore.

Another object of the invention is to provide a valve which is so constructed and the parts thereof so cooperatively arranged with respect to each other that debris, fine sand and similar abrasive material carried by water does not detrimentally affect the operation thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve mechanism which becomes flushed out 7 resultant from use, whereby repairs and adjustments are not required during a comparatively lengthy period of use.

A still further object of the. invention is to provide a valve mechanism for the above stated purposes which operates to obtain selected results responsive to an loperator positioning a lever in a position complemental thereto.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious from the following detailed description.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a top plan view of a valve embodying the preferred construction of the new mechanism.

Figure 2 is a front view thereof.

Figure 3 is a side view of the new valve.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section, the view being taken substantially on line 4-4 of Figure 2.

' Figure 5 is a plan view of the interior face of the A portion of the valve at the'time the B portion or housing is removed therefrom.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the exterior face of the portion A of the new valve.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 are transverse sectional 3 Claims. (01. 251-54) views of the A portion of the valve, said sections being taken respectively on lines 1-1, 8-8, and 9-9 of Figure 6 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 10 is a longitudinal section taken substantially on line l0lfl of Figure 4.

Figure 11 is a similar section taken substantially on line I I-ll of Figure 4.

Figure 12 is a transverse section, the view being taken substantially on line 12-42 of Figure 4; and also on line l2l2 of Figure 3, the depiction being turned at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to Figure 3.

The valve of'the present invention is particularly useful in conjunction with a water-softening system which employs Zeolite crystals in a tank thereof. The said Zeolite system includes two tanks, one of which is known in the vernacular of the art as the brine tank, being provided with a conventional cut-off valve, and the other is known as the water-softening tank since it contains the Zeolite crystals which soften the water.

The valve of the present invention includes two primary portions, which are a conduit-containing portion or valve body indicated at Am the drawings and a valve-cage or bonnet portion B. The portions A and B are secured together preferably by means of bolts C so that the surface ll] of the portion A confronts the surface ll of the 7 portion B and, during use, the portion B of the valve is preferably so disposed that it confronts an operator, having its major axis disposed in a horizontal direction, whereby its lever handle is disposed vertically for facilitating manipulation.

As best shown in Figure 4, the portion B, being concave, provides a cage or housing for certain later described mechanism employed for imparting a shift-slide motion to the valve-head of the new valve. which is of a substantially oval shape in plan as shown in Figure 11. The valve of the present invention further preferably includes a gasket l2 which is disposed between the surface of the wall ll of the portion B and. a confronting surface ll] of the portion A, said gasket [2 being also approximately oval in plan complemental to the oval shape of the wall H.

The gasket I2 is preferably formed of compressible material such as rubberized canvas or a suitable one of the slightly resilient modern plastics, whereby at the time the portions A and B are joined together by means of the bolts C, a water-tight chamber I4 is provided by the in- The portion B includes a wall It 3 J terior of the portion B in conjunction with the plane surface ll) of the portion A.

The surface II) of the portion A, as best shown in Figure 10, is provided with an intake passageway I3 the wall of which is provided with a screw thread for connecting one end of a pipe I3 thereto. The pipe I3 is represented by dotted lines in Figure 4. The passageway I3 extends through the portion A at a right angle with respect to the length of the portion A.

Ihe other end of the pipe I3 is in communication with a source of Supply of water under pressure, the said supply'being known, to those skilled in the art, as raw water, namely, water which has not been softened; and the said raw water is introduced into the chamber I4 of the valve of the present invention through the passageway IS. The latter is shown in full lines in Figure 9.

Referring to Figure the portion A is provided with five ports or ends of passageways which extend inwardly thereof from the surface Iii, said ports being indicated at [5, I6, I'I, I8, and I9, respectively. The ports I5 to 19, inclusive, are each of the same size and contour in plan, being elongated transversely of the portion A, disposed in a row and sp aced apart equidistantly with respect to each other During use certain of the ports I5 to I9, inclusive, 'are, at times, in communication with the chamber It and at other time's'are cut off from direct communication therewith by means of a later described slidable valve-head which is also shiftable away from the po'rtion'A by means of a later described mechanism.

The port I5 is in communication with a passageway 2D, as best shown in Figure' l. The passagewayZU is threadedly connected 'to one end of apipe 2] during use. The pipe 21 is employed for distributing softened water for use in adwelling or commercial institution such 'as a laundry or the like,said pipe 2I being usually called the service line. u

The port I5 is also employed, at ti'nzies, 'as a by-pass for hard'or raw water during times when the valve of the instant invention is manipulated for regeneration purposes; namely, a regeneration of the conventional Zeolite crystals, the latter being employed in a water-softening-systern for softening water in a well known manner;

it being also well known that the said crystals require periodical regeneration.

The port I6 is in communication with a passageway 22 provided in the portion -A of the valve. A portion of the passageway 22 is shown in full lines in Figure 4 and is represented by dotted lines in Figures 6 and 10. The passageway 22 is in communication with a pipe 23, and the latter extends to a tank, not shown, of the said conventional Zeolite water-softening system.

The port I! is employed for draining ofi, debris during a back-washing operation applied to the 25, the latter being provided through an injector or suction applicatortZB. v ilifhe memb erTZIiiscup shape in cross section. Since the bore bf the opening 25 is of a lesser cross sectional area than the cross sectional area of a pipe-receiving opening 82', a Ventura-tube-like action is provided for applying a suction for causing a liquid brine to enter the passageway 28 through the opening 82 as later described. The opening 82' is provided with a screw thread for engagement with one end of a brine pipe 82, whereby brine is introduced into and through the new valve from the brine tank of the said water-softening system.

The portion A is provided with a passageway 32 one end of which is in communication with the medial port I1. The other and threaded end 33' of the passageway 32 is threadedly attached to a pipe 33. by dottted lines in Figures 1, 3 and 4, and extends to a sump having a connection with a sewer 'whereby liquid passing through the new valve may be drained to the sewer through the pipe 33 and at times when itis desired to dispose of the drainage as'later described. W p

The brine tank and its use, together with the several other parts of thesaid system, being well known in the art, is not believed to require a detaileddescription. u v I As best shown in Figure 4, the injector or suction applicator 26 fits "snugly into the bore adjacent the flared or 'expanded'end of the passageway 24% and may be disposed to cover more or less of the opening 82' and the pipe 82 "for permitting 'a greater or lesser flow of brine through the pipe 82 as may be desired. The member 25 is positioned within the A portion of A the valve structure through an opening'29. The

wall of the opening29, as best shown in Figure l, is provided with a thread for securing a pipe plug 33 thereto, and preferably a gasket 3I is employed for sealing the opening 29 against an escape of water under pressure through the opening 29.

As shown in Figure 12, the portion *A of the valve is provided with an orifice 3 5'h'aving screw threads on the wall thereof for attaching one end of a pipe 36 thereto, whereby the latter is in communication with a passageway 31 of the portion A of the new valve. The other end of the pipe 36 extends to the top of the watersoftening tank of the system. The passageway 31 extends to and is in communication with the port I8, as best shown bydotted lines in Figures 6 and 10. V V

Within the chamber I4 of the new valve, a valve-head III is slidably and shiftablydisposed. The surface 42 of the valve-head is machined smooth and provided with afeces's A3, the mouth of the latter being disposed inwardly of the valvehead from the surface 42 thereof, as best shown in Figures '4 and 11. u

The surface .2 of the valve-head is provided with an apertured filler-pad 42f, the latter being formed of the said suitable resilient material.

Preferably the compressible pad 42 is ofapproxi- 'keepers, not shown, and 'about the mouth of the recess 43. The walls of the aperture of the pad are disposed in alignment with the side walls of the recess '42 of the, valve-hadQ The'oppositely disposed side walls of the recess "42 which are shown in Figure 4 are spaced apart'asufli- "cient distance "so that said side walls span 'over The latter is represented any'selected nextadjacent two of the ports IE to I! for transferring a liquid from one of the selected ports or passageway ends to another end.

During use the ports l8 and 19 are not coupled together through the recess of the valve-head 4| at any time although, at times, the valve-head is employed for plugging the port I8, as shown in Figure l.

Within the chamber l4 two spaced apart like guide posts 44 and 45 are provided. The posts are provided with threaded ends which are threadedly attached to the portion A of the valve, as shown in Figure 4.

A guide plate or track member 46 is provided having an elongated guide sleeve 41 at one end thereof and a like guide sleeve at its other end. The guide posts extend through the sleeve guides 4'! respectively, whereby the guide plate 45 is shiftably disposed on the posts, toward or away from the surface Ii] of the portion A of the valve, by a later described means. The free ends of the guide posts are each provided with a detent pin 46 for their respective washers 49. Between the washers and the plate 46, expansion springs 5i} are provided. The springs are disposed about the posts respectively for normally urging the guide plate and the valve-head at tached thereto toward the portion A of the valve.

The valve further includes a longitudinally slidable shaft 55. The shaft extends through a packing nut 52 and a stufhng box 253. The latter contains packing for preventing a leakage of water under pressure outwardly of the valve cage or chamber 94. The pack nut 52 is threadedly secured to the stuffing box nut 54 and the latter is similarly threadedly attached to the adjacent wall of the chamber 14, as best shown in Figure 4.

The nut portion 55 of the stuffing box extends beyond said box. Between the nut portion and the adjacent machined outer surface of the portion B, a ring 56 is rotatably disposed. The ring provides a mounting for later described ears and an attached link.

That end of the shaft 5| which is disposed within the chamber I4 is provided with a detent washer 51. The latter is secured to the shaft by means of a keeper pin 58.

A similar pin 59 is empyed for attaching a mutilated spur wheel 6!! to the shaft 5|. As best shown in Figure 5, the teeth of the spur wheel are arranged to successively engage the teeth of a rack bar 65 during revoluble movement of the shaft 5| and the spur wheel. The guide plate 46 is disposed between the spur wheel 60 and the detent washer 5?.

As best shown in Figure 12, the rack bar 6| is formed integral with an arm portion 62 of the valve-head 4| for carrying the inwardly disposed rack bar portion of the arm 62.

An arm 62 is also attached to the valve-head 5|, being oppositely disposed with respect to the arm 62. The free end of said arm 63 is provided with an inwardly disposed flange portion or track following member 64. The arms 62 and 63 are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the transverse width of the guide plate 46, whereby the valve-head is slidable longitudinally with respect to and guided by the plate 46.

At times when the shaft 5| is moved in the direction of the arrow 65 (Figure 12), a. corresponding movement is applied to the guide plate 46 for causing the flange 64, together with the rack bar 6|, to shift the valve-head 4| away from the portion A of the valve and against the urge of the springs 50 for protecting the filler pad As shown in Figure 4, the outwardly disposed end of the shaft 5| is provided with a hat end portion 66 through which a pin 6'! is disposed. As best shown in Figure 12, the pin 67 also extends through a lever 68.

Referring to Figure 2, the lever 66 is formed integral with its handle portion 69, the latter preferably being offset with respect to the lever as best shown in Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 12, the end of the lever which is opposite to its handle is provided with a further pin 10 for pivotally attaching one end of a link H thereto. The other end of the link is pivotally attached by means of a pin 72 to and between oppositely disposed outstanding ears 13. The latter are secured to the above mentioned rotatable ring 56, as best shown in Figures 2 and 12.

The handle 69 may be manipulated for causing the shaft 5| to rotate, since the ring 56 rotates correspondingly, for causing a corresponding movement to be applied to the mutilated spur wheel 60, whereby a resultant sliding movement is applied to the rack bar 6! and to the valvehead 4|.

Before the shaft 5| is caused to rotate, as above described, the valve-head is first lifted or shifted away from the portion A of the valve, whereby the filler pad 42' of the valve-head is prevented from becoming rubbed or abraded during a sliding movement of the valve-head in parallelism with the surface in of the portion A of the valve. During use of the valve, debris and sometimes fine sand and other abrasive material which is carried by the water of numerous communities, becomes flushed outwardly of the new valve; and

by means of the specific construction and coop-.

erative arrangement of the parts of the new valve, the latter operates efficiently even in the event that a grain of sand becomes temporarily lodged between-the pad 42' and the surface l6 of the portion A, since the pad receives said grain when compacted against the surface l0.

7 Since the valve-head 4| is first shifted away from the portion A and before the valve-head is caused to slide longitudinally of the portion A, undue abrading of the pad 42 is prevented; while at the same time the pad may be seated sufficiently snug to permit repeated operation of the valve efliciently for all practical purposes required during water-softening and tank backwashing uses.

The crank handle 69 is not only movable in the direction of the arrow 14 (Figure 3) for shifting the valve-head, but is also swingable in an arc of approximately degrees for causing the valve-head to slide.

The portion B of the valve is provided with a projection 15 which, as best shown in Figure 2, is approximately semicircular in plan. The terminal arcuate end edge of the projection 15 is provided with detent notches for cooperation with the lever 68.

Referring to Figure 2, three notches are indicated at 16, 11 and 18, respectively. The notches are provided on the said terminal edge portion of the projection 15 for receiving the restricted portion 19 of the lever 68 in any selected one thereof for causing the lever to be correspondingly positioned at times when the side walls of aselected notch engage the lever portion 19.

The valve-head may be caused to shift and move away from the portion A as heretofore described, whereupon the lever is further manipulated and swung to cause the valve-head to slide longitudinally with respect to the guide plate 46. At the time the valve-head is positioned'in any one of the three positions corresponding to a placing of the lever in a selected notch '15, 11, or 18, the recess 43 of the valve-head then spans across a selected two of the ports I through l8 for switching a flow of'material through the new valve correspondingly.

At times when the valve-head is in the position shown in Figure 4, a communication'between the ports and I! is provided since the recess 43 of the valve-head is then positioned for causing the same, and at this time the lever 88 is engaged in the notch Ti.

'At times when it is desired to permit a flow of liquid between the ports I! and E8, the recess 43 of the valve-head is caused to be disposed over the said ports so that the side portion 86 of the valve-head closes or seals the port it! and at this time the lever 68 is engaged in the notch 18. It will be seen that the side portion 88 is disposed further from the recess 43 of the valve-head than is the oppositely disposed side wall of said head, as shown in Figure 4. As best shown in Figure 11, the major portion of the aperture of the pad 42 is disposed at one side of the transverse axis of the valve-head M which permits use of the pad and new valve in conjunction with the said watersoftening system, since the port if must be between the ports 56 and l8. 7

At times when the ports 55 and I6 are in communication with each other through the recess 43 of the valve-head, the latter is then in a position to permit a flow of softened water into the service outlet pipe ii for use in a dwelling.

Since the port it, as shown in Figure 10, is connected to the bottom of a tank of the system from which emanates affluent soft water and becomes connected with the port, l5, as above described, the soft water, afiiuent from the softener tank of the system, is thus connected to the service line 2i; and at this time the side portion 89 of the surface d2 of the valve-head ii, in conjunction with the pad i2, covers and plugs the drain port I"! so that water does notpass to the drain.

An employment of the pad 452 obviates a need of accurate machining of the surface 32 of the valve-head, and also compensates for a lodging of a few grains of sand between the valve-head and the surface It.

For certain purposes Water under pressure is permitted to enter the port l9 from the chamber I4 of the valve. The water-softening system, not

shown, in conjunction with which the valve of the present invention is employed, is such that the brine tank thereof is provided with the conventional valve $0; the arrangement of parts being such that at times when the brine valve '90 is open, the suction generator 26 reduces the level'of the brine in the said tank of the syse tern.

'At'tim'es when there is a flow of water under pressure through the port 19 and in the direction of the arrow 8| Figure l), the water becomes forced through the restricted opening and toward the port l8. During a passage of water through the open1ng 25, apportion of the brine from the brine tank of the system is sucked nected together.

through the pipe 82 and into the valve of the present invention, since the liquid which passes through the restricted opening 25 also passes through the passageway 28, thereby providing a suction on the end of the brine pipe 82 for moving brine into the passageway 28, said brine becoming admixed with the liquid under pressure which passes through the opening 25 of the member 26.

Since it is essential at times to back-wash that tank of the system which contains the Zeolite" crystals, the valve-head of the present invention is caused to be shifted correspondingly by manipulating the lever 68 so that the portion '11 of the lever is caused to engage in the notch 18 for causing the valve-head to span over theports l1 and I8 for placing said ports in communication with one another. At this time the port [9 is closed by means of the valve-head.

The pipe 53 as above stated is in communication with a source of supply of water under pressure, namely, raw water which enters the chamber M. At times when the valve-head is in the position shown in Figure 4, the raw water from the chamber M is then permitted to flow, under pressure, outwardly of the new valve through the port !5, passageway 28 and service pipe 2| for use as unsoftened raw water.

The port it is in communication with the passageway 22 and the pipe 23. The latter is connected to the bottom of the softener tank of the system, namely, the tank containing the Zeolite crystals.

The port H! which is in communication with the pipe 33 through the passageway 32 extends to the drain or sump for a disposal of wash water into a sewer.

The port !8, as above described, is in communication at all times with the port I9 through the aperture 25 of the suction applicator 26, whereby the passageways of the ports [8 and 19 are con- Also said port E8 is in communication with the passagewayZS, and the latter is in communication with the passageway 82, whereby the port it is also in communication with the pipe 32. The latter extends to the top of the brine tank of the system, being provided with the common valve at.

It will be understood that, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 6, the port I3 is also inv communication with the passageway 31, since the latter opens on the passageway 28. The passageway 31 is provided with the opening 35, together with the pipe 36. The latter extends to the top of the softener tank, namely, the tank which contains the Zeolite crystals.

In operation, when it is desired to cause softened water to flow to and through the service pipe 2|, the operator manipulates the handle 68 for moving the valve-head 4i away from the portion A of the new valve and simultaneously swings the handle 68 to a position whereby the handle engages in the notch 16 (Figure 2), and the recess it of the valve-head 4| is then thereby disposed over the openings 15 and I6; and upon the operator then permitting the Springs 50 to press the valve-head into position against the portion A, the supply of raw water to the passageway 20 is out ofi and softened water permitted to flow through the ports it and I5 to the service pipe 2! and from the bottom of the softener tank.

At this time the water under pressure which enters the valve chamber M from the pipe l3 flows through said chamber under pressure, outwardly of the valve through either one or bothof the ports IBand l9 and to the top of the softener tank, through the passageway 31 of the new valve and through the pipe 36.

At this time the water under pressure does not enter the brine tank through the pipe 82 since the conventional valve 90 on the pipe 32, being closed, prevents the same. At times when it is desired to fill the brine tank with liquid, the conventional valve 90 is opened by the operator for the said purpose.

At times when it is desired to back-wash the Zeolite crystals within the softener tank of the system, it is necessary to cause a circulation of water through the softener tank in a direction reverse to the normal flow of water therethrough for loosening the debris, scum and the like which clings to the said crystals and before a regeneration of the latter.

For back-washing operation, the operator moves the lever 68 so that it is engaged with the notch 16 (Figure 2), whereby the ports, l5 and I5 are opened and the port I9 is closed. At this time since the port I9 is closed, no brine is moved into the new valve through the pipe 82. At this time the valve 90 which governs a flow through the pipe 82 is also closed.

At this time since the port 16 is open, raw water under pressure flows from the chamber I4 throrgh the port I6, passageway 22, pipe 23, to the bottom of the softener tank, up through the bed of "Zeolite crystals anad outwardly of the softener tank, and through the pipe 35, thereby carrying debris with the wash water and into the passageway 3l,

through the port [8, through the recess 43 of the valve-head 4!, through the port 11, the passageway 32 and outwardly of the pipe 33 to the sump or sewer, said flow of wash water being permitted to continue until the Zeolite crystals are washed clean and prior to a regeneration of the said crystals.

For regeneration purposes, the operator manipulates the lever 68 so that it is engaged in the notch 11 (Figure 2), whereby the valve-head 4| is then in the position shown in Figure 4 for coupling the ports "5 and I! together.

The operator now opens the valve 90 for placing the interior of the brine tank in communication with the passageway 28 of the new valve.

At this time raw water under pressure is in the chamber I 4 and is flowable outwardly of the service pipe 2| if desired for use in a dwelling. The water under pressure from the chamber l4 causes a flow thereof through the then opened port 19, passageway 24, aperture 25 and into the passageway 28, and from the latter to the passageway 31.

Since the latter is in communication with the pipe 36 and the latter is attached to the top of the water softener tank, water is caused to enter the latter; and in doing so, brine becomes sucked through the pipe 82 from the brine tank and deposited on the crystals in the softener tank. The water which has carried the brine, after passing through the Zeolite crystals for regenerating the latter, moves outwardly of the bottom of the softener tank and through the pipe 23. From the latter the water which has deposited its brine in the softener tank enters the passageway 22 and outwardly of the latter to the port it, enters the recess 43 of the valvehead 4| and becomes switched from the latter through the port ll, passageway 32 to the pipe 33. From the latter the water moves to the sump or sewer.

After a circulation of water-carrying brine 10 has been occasioned to a suitable extent, the operator then closes the valve 9|] and at the time the crystals have been suitably regenerated.

After the operator has closed the conventional valve 90, the valve-head 4! is caused to be shifted so that the recess thereof spans over the ports 15 and I6 which is the normal and operating position of the valve-head for delivering softenedwater to the service pipe 2|.

It is essential that the port of the new valve which is connected to the drain, namely, the port 11, be placed between the ports l6 and I8, as shown in Figure 4, since the port I! is alternately connected with the top and bottom of the water softener tank of the system, the one connection being for regeneration purposes and the other connection for back-washing purposes.

Among other advantages of the invention it will be seen that an accumulation of debris in the new valve is prevented, since by reason of the particular arrangement of parts water under pressure flows against all interior surfaces of the new mechanism for washing the interior of the valve practically constantly during use.

From theforegoing description, it is thought to be obvious that a water softening system -valve constructed in accordance with my in' vention is particularly adapted for use by rea son of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will alsobe obvious thatmy invention is susceptible ,ofsome change and modification without departing .from the principles and spirit thereof. and for this reason I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out my invention in practice, except as claimed.

I claim:

1. In a mixing valve, t e combination which com rises a valve body having a lurality of spaced aligned openings providing ports o ening into a flat surface with each port communicating with a passage extended through the said valve body and to an external connection thereof, spaced parallel posts mounted on said valve body, a guide plate slidably mounted on said posts, spaced from, ali ned with. and ara el to the said flat surface of the valve body. a valve head having a recess in the under svrfa-e carried by and slidably mounted on the sa d guide plate and slidable on the said fiat surface, the recess of the said valve head positioned to extend over a plurality of the said ports and the upper part of the said valve head having a gear rack thereon, resilient means on the said posts urging the said guide plate and valve head toward the valve body, a valve bonnet mounted on the said valve body and positioned over the guide plate and valve head, a shaft journaled in the said valve bonnet, a pinion on. the said shaft positioned to mesh with the said gear rack of the valve head, and means for rotating the said shaft from the exterior of the valve bonnet for shifting the valve head over the said ports.

2. In a mixing valve, the combination which comprises a valve body having a plurality of spaced aligned ports opening into a flat surface with each port communicating with a passage extended through the valve body, spaced parallel posts extended from the said valve body and positioned at the ends of the said flat surface, a guide plate slidably mounted on said posts,

mama-1.7

said guide plate spaced from, aligned with and parallel to the said flat surface of the valvebody, a valve head having a recess in the: under surface carried by and slidably mounted onthe said guide plate and slidable on the said flat surface of the valve body, said valve head havin a gear rack thereon and the recess in the under surface thereof positioned to extend over a plurality of the said ports, resilient means on the said posts for urging the guide plateand valve head toward the valve body, a valve bonnet mounted on the valve body and positioned over the guide plate and valve head, a shaft journaled in the said valve bonnet, a; pinion on the shaft" positioned to mesh with the gear rack of the valve head, a handle pivotally mounted on the outerend' of the said shaft forrotating the shaft, and means spacing the valve head from the said fiat surface by the handle through the shaft and guide plate.

3. In a mixing valve, the combination which comprises a valve body having a plurality of spaced aligned ports opening into a flat' surface with each port communicating with a passage extended through the valve body, one of said passages having a venturi therein for providing suction to draw a product into the valve; spaced parallel posts extended from thesaid valve body and positioned at the ends of the said flat sur- 12 flat surface of the valve body, a filler pad carried by'the said valve head and positioned be,- tween the valve head and flat surface, said valve head having a gear rack thereon and the recess in the under surface thereof positioned to ex tend over a plurality of the said ports, resilient means on the said posts for urging the guide plate and valve head toward the valve body, a valve bonnet mounted on the valve body and positioned to cover the guide plate and valve head, a shaft journaled in the said valve bonnet, a pinion on the shaft positioned to mesh with the gear rack of the valve head, and a handle pivotally mounted on the outer end of the shaft for rotating the shaft to shift the said valve head over theports of the said flat surface of the valve body.

RALPH D. ZIMMERMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,863,759 McGraW June 21, 1932 2,235,608 Daniels Mar. 18, 1941 2,309,032 Zimmerman Jan. 19, 1943 2,311,989 McGill Feb. 23, 1943 2,364,697 Daniels Dec. 12, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS Number a Country Date 433,105 Great Britain 1935 

